The gatekeeper fallacy: A critical analysis of financial advice regulation in AustraliaBY BEN WALSH | FRIDAY, 7 FEB 2025 2:33PMThe current regulatory framework for financial advice in Australia rests on a fundamental misconception that threatens both consumer protection and industry sustainability. By ... Upgrade your subscription to access this article
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Cover Story

Advice with soul
SACHA BURCHGART
FOUNDER & MANAGING DIRECTOR
BURCHEART PTY LTD
FOUNDER & MANAGING DIRECTOR
BURCHEART PTY LTD
Though she initially tried, Sacha Burchgart couldn't escape the call of a career in financial advice; it just took staring down her own mortality to see what's possible when you do things differently. Jamie Williamson writes.









The legacy of financial advice licensing in Australia has historically centered on the distribution of financial products, with advisers acting as gatekeepers to these offerings. I agree that in today's landscape, a broader range of consumers are increasingly empowered by technology, including AI, to make some of the financial decisions themselves. This shift necessitates a transformation in the role of investment advisers. Rather than just facilitating product distribution, advisers are well served on guiding consumers through personalised financial journeys, addressing individual needs, and filling knowledge gaps within an adaptive framework designed for consumer navigation (evolving). Embracing this evolved role not only enhances the value provided to clients but also aligns the financial advice industry with contemporary consumer expectations and technological advancements. Just look at what happened to the travel industry platforms...